Topical Bible: Wine: Water Miraculously Turned Into

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The miraculous transformation of water into wine is one of the most celebrated miracles performed by Jesus Christ, marking the beginning of His public ministry. This event is recorded exclusively in the Gospel of John, specifically in John 2:1-11. It took place at a wedding in Cana of Galilee, a small town in the region of Galilee, which was the setting for many of Jesus' early miracles and teachings.

Context and Setting

The account begins with Jesus, His mother Mary, and His disciples attending a wedding feast. In the Jewish culture of the time, weddings were significant social events that could last several days, and the provision of ample food and drink was a matter of honor for the host family. Running out of wine would have been a social embarrassment and a breach of hospitality.

The Miracle

When the wine ran out, Mary approached Jesus with the problem, indicating her trust in His ability to address the situation. Jesus initially responded, "Woman, why does this concern us? My hour has not yet come" (John 2:4). Despite this, Mary instructed the servants, "Do whatever He tells you" (John 2:5), demonstrating her faith in His divine authority.

Jesus then directed the servants to fill six stone water jars, each holding twenty to thirty gallons, with water. After the jars were filled, He instructed them to draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet. Upon tasting the water that had been turned into wine, the master of the banquet was astonished, noting that the bridegroom had saved the best wine for last, contrary to the usual custom of serving the best wine first (John 2:9-10).

Significance

This miracle is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it is the first of Jesus' signs, revealing His glory and leading His disciples to believe in Him (John 2:11). The transformation of water into wine symbolizes the transformative power of Christ, who brings new life and joy. It also prefigures the new covenant, where Jesus' blood, represented by wine, would be poured out for the salvation of humanity.

Furthermore, the miracle underscores Jesus' authority over creation, demonstrating His divine nature. The abundance and quality of the wine also reflect the generosity and excellence of God's provision.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, this miracle highlights the role of faith and obedience. Mary's faith in Jesus' ability to resolve the situation and the servants' obedience to His instructions were integral to the unfolding of the miracle. It serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in Jesus' timing and His ways, even when they are not immediately understood.

Additionally, the miracle at Cana is often seen as a foreshadowing of the Eucharist, where wine becomes a symbol of Christ's blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins. It points to the joy and celebration inherent in the Kingdom of God, where Jesus is the true bridegroom, and His followers are invited to partake in the eternal wedding feast.

In summary, the miracle of turning water into wine at Cana is a profound demonstration of Jesus' divine power and a testament to the transformative impact of His ministry. It invites believers to trust in His provision and to celebrate the new life He offers through faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 2:9
When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not from where it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

(On the Mysteries. Iv. )
... the water into wine, akin to blood [2448] , and is it incredible that He should
have turned wine into blood? When called to a bodily marriage, He miraculously ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xxii on the mysteries.htm

The vineyard of the Lord
... Miraculously preserved from the perils of the wilderness wandering, they ... Sing ye
unto her, A vineyard of red wine. I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/the vineyard of the lord.htm

The Season of Epiphany.
... at the wedding feast, when He turned the water ... as a prophet"in turning the water
into wine, as a ... Gentiles; how awful and high, how miraculously endowed, how ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon vi the season of.htm

Heavenly Contemplation Assisted by Sensible Objects, and Guarded ...
... enemies, as Elisha; or miraculously cure diseases ... his office, he turns water into
wine, feeds thousands ... and its backwardness be turned into cheerful compliance. ...
/.../the saints everlasting rest/chapter xv heavenly contemplation assisted.htm

The Voice of Stern Rebuke
... There for many months he was miraculously provided with food ... a land of hills and
valleys, and drinketh water of the ... gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 10 the voice of.htm

Brother Hugh
... their place, with fasts on bread and water, and festivals ... two large fir trees, which
seat "miraculously grew no ... He had strong wine of doctrine for the chapter ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter ii brother hugh.htm

Acts II
... in the common version; for new wine was not ... their bodies had been of the baptism
in water. ... with all the authority belonging to miraculously attested messengers ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts ii.htm

The Assumption of Moses
... These are gluttonous and wine-bibbers; they devour, the ... and when the multitude, who
were miraculously fed by ... to the abyss, the springs of water shall fail, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the assumption of moses.htm

Of the Second Consideration of the Sacred, Holy Stigmata
... St Francis, bringing with him bread and wine, and other ... Leo bring me a little bread
and water, and on ... these strange caverns had been made miraculously at the ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/of the second consideration of.htm

The Invasion of Greece and the Battle of Marathon.
... their faculties were confused with the effects of the wine. ... The people of AEgina
crossed the water in a ... The statues, too, miraculously fell on their knees, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter xi the invasion of.htm